Road bike 500-600

[SWSteve]

So, I'm waiting to hopefully get a bike back via an insurance claim...but the way things are going this may not be the case (I'll not get into that here) so I may be buying a new bike off my own back. I had a 2013 Specialized Secteur Triple, and am unsure what I should replace it with.

What I'm looking at are either the new triple: http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/secteur-triple/20047/14Secteur
OR
Specialized Allez Sport http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/allez-sport/19326/14Allez

I appreciate they are both at the top/above the price bracket but i was very, very happy with my Secteur when I bought it, the second would be a bit of a push if I am paying myself as it's would be mainly on the credit card.

Any suggestions? I would like it to be new so I have a receipt etc. as it will be used as my 'only bike' i.e. commuting and weekends as a best bike and then if something were to happen again I would have proof of purchase and a price I can quote to an insurance company (lessons have been learned from this).

If someone works for an insurance co. and can help me a PM would be lovely, have a couple of things I would like to know/check

 

[the_mikey]

This is a dream machine and way under budget!

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/moser-bikes-speed-sora-2013/

 

[SWSteve]

buying a bike online worries me a little, how can I test ride/check what size I am? I don't want to be overly picky, but this is a worry of mine

 

[the_mikey]

buying a bike online worries me a little, how can I test ride/check what size I am? I don't want to be overly picky, but this is a worry of mine

Some online retailers have good customer service in this regard, but I agree it can be inconvenient and anxiety provoking.

 

[musa]

If you really enjoyed the secteur. You can get a 2014 model with either claris or sora not sure for £650

 

[SWSteve]

If you really enjoyed the secteur. You can get a 2014 model with either claris or sora not sure for £650

I think Sora has the double paddle option, I previously had thumb shifter 2300, so that's a difference.

The only reason I like the Allez Sport is because it looks garish. Dressing with lots of colour/patterns are things I seem to do, so a red bike makes me excited

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Can you not use the Cycle to work scheme & spread the cost?

Alan...

 

[SWSteve]

No, the cycle scheme my employer offers has a small window and that has passed. I may write to those in charge and ask

 

[mustang1]

I believe secteur has eyels for rack/panniers since you mentioned commuting, and I dont think the allez does (though I haven't seen the frame specs for a couple of years).

 

[vickster]

I seem to think the latest Secteurs don't but check of course

Giant Defy models may be worth a look, should find a deal on 2013 - your budget may not actually be too far off the 2 with Tiagra

Ashcycles always have decent deals if you do go down the online route. Otherwise, Wiggle have had some specials on Felt